The new three-span bridge over the BNSF Northtown rail yard reopened to traffic this afternoon after the celebration. The bridge replaces a five-span bridge built in 1925. It’s part of the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway. Reconstruction of the bridge was a significant engineering undertaking and the result of cooperation among many partners. The community also had a large role in shaping the project. The design pays tribute to the 1925 bridge and features a historic interpretive plaza. The bridge also has updated amenities for pedestrians and bicyclists.

The City’s key partners involved in the project include the State of Minnesota, United States Department of Transportation, the Minneapolis Park & Recreation Board, BNSF, and the Columbia Park, Marshall Terrace and Holland neighborhoods. The $31.6 million project was funded with contributions from the City, federal government, State of Minnesota and the BNSF Railroad.

“This new St. Anthony Parkway Bridge honors the history of this corner of our city while at the same time providing for an innovative design that is safe and accessible to motorists, pedestrians and bicyclists,” said Mayor Betsy Hodges. “Thank you to everyone — residents, business owners and visitors for your patience. Today we celebrate the fruit of all that time and work, a structure that will serve us well into the future.”

“The Lowry, Camden, Plymouth and now the St. Anthony Parkway bridges have all been replaced or rehabilitated,” said City Council President Barb Johnson. “We have great connections between the wonderful communities of north and northeast Minneapolis.”

“The new St. Anthony Parkway Bridge is the result of collaborative work on the part of the community and many jurisdictional partners,” said City Council Member Kevin Reich, chair of the City Council’s Transportation and Public Works Committee. “It was a major engineering feat to construct this bridge over an active rail yard. This new bridge honors the history of the area and has new amenities for pedestrians and cyclists. It’s a project we all should celebrate.”

To learn more about the St. Anthony Parkway Bridge, visit the project website.